[The following story is worth recording, as an illustration not only of the way in which Huxley would give what help was in his power to another man of science in distress, but of the ready aid proffered on this, as on many other occasions, by a wealthy northern merchant who was interested in science.  A German scientific worker in England, whom we will call H., had fallen into distress, and applied to him for help, asking if some work could not be put in his way.  Huxley could think of nothing immediate but to suggest some lessons in German literature to his children, though in fact they were well provided for with a German governess; nevertheless he thought it a proper occasion to avail himself of his friend’s offer to give help in deserving cases.  He writes to his wife:—­]

I made up my mind to write to X. the day before yesterday; this morning by return of post he sends me a cheque not only for the 60 pounds which I said H. needed, but 5 pounds over for his present needs with a charming letter.

It came in the nick of time, as H. came an hour or two after it arrived, and with many apologies told me he was quite penniless.  The poor old fellow was quite overcome when I told him of how matters stood, and it was characteristic that as soon as he got his breath again, he wanted to know when he would begin teaching the children!  I sent him to get an order on the Naples bank for discharge of his debt there.  X.’s express stipulation was that his name should not be mentioned, so mind you say not a word about his most kind and generous act.

[The following letters of miscellaneous interest were written in this year:—­]

4 Marlborough Place, November 21, 1877.

My dear Morley,

I am always at the command of the “Fortnightly” so long as you are editor, but I don’t think that the Belemnite business would do for you. [The lecture at the London Institution mentioned above.] The story would hardly be intelligible without illustrations.

There are two things I am going to do which may be more to the purpose.  One is a screed on Technical Education which I am going to give to the Working Men’s Union on the 1st December.

The other is a sort of Eloge on Harvey at the Royal Institution in March apropos of his 300th birthday—­which was Allfools Day.

You shall have either of these you like, but I advise Harvey; as if I succeed in doing what I shall aim at it will be interesting.

Why the deuce do you live at Brighton?  St. John’s Wood is far less cockneyfied, and its fine and Alpine air would be much better for you, and I believe for Mrs. Morley, than the atmosphere of the melancholy main, the effects of which on the human constitution have been so well expounded by that eminent empiric, Dr. Dizzy.

Anyhow, I wish we could see something of you now and then.

Ever yours very faithfully,

T.H.  Huxley.

Darwin got his degree with great eclat on Saturday.  I had to return thanks for his health at the dinner of the Philosophical Society; and oh!  I chaffed the dons so sweetly.